International Variations of William
Classic William has been well used throughout the years.
There are many handsome forms of William used internationally, such as French Guillermo, German Wilhelm, Hungarian Vilmo, and Welsh Gwylym.
Here is our full list of international variations of William, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Liam
Origin:
Irish short form of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number One spot for the past eight years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
- Wolf
Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, GermanMeaning:
" traveling wolf"Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.
- Wilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Gwilym
Origin:
Welsh variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
- Guillermo
Origin:
Spanish variation of WilliamDescription:
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- Vili
Description:
Vili is a masculine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Vili was one of three brothers (along with Odin and Vé) who created the world. The name derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'will' or 'desire,' reflecting determination and purpose. Common in Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Iceland, Vili offers a short, distinctive alternative to more elaborate Norse names. Its brevity makes it easily pronounceable across cultures while maintaining its Nordic character. In Finnish culture, the name has maintained steady usage throughout the years. Vili projects qualities of creativity, leadership, and primal strength through its mythological connections. Its simple two-syllable structure gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.
- Guilherme
Description:
Guilherme is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection'. Popular throughout Brazil and Portugal, Guilherme has been consistently used over centuries and ranks among the top names in Portuguese-speaking countries. It carries associations of strength, determination, and nobility. The name has recognizable variants across different languages including William (English), Guillaume (French), and Guillermo (Spanish). Bearers include Brazilian footballers Guilherme Leicam and Guilherme Siqueira, giving the name a contemporary sporty image while maintaining its classic appeal.
- Gigermo
Description:
Gigermo is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant spelling of Guillermo, the Spanish form of William, which derives from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection.' As a rare variation, Gigermo lacks significant historical documentation or widespread usage in most cultures. The name might also represent a unique creation or adaptation from a local dialect. Due to its rarity, there are few notable bearers of this name, and it does not appear in most popularity rankings worldwide. Its distinctive sound pattern gives it a memorable quality for parents seeking a highly uncommon name.
- Vilem
Description:
Vilem is a masculine name of Czech and Slovak origin, equivalent to the English William and German Wilhelm. It derives from Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'determined protector' or 'resolute guardian.' Popular throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Vilem carries a strong cultural identity while maintaining international recognition through its connection to the William name family. The name has been borne by notable figures in Czech history and literature, including the poet Vilem Mrštík. With its distinctive sound and spelling, yet familiar roots, Vilem offers parents a name that stands out while still connecting to a widely recognized naming tradition across European cultures.
- Uilliam
Origin:
Irish variation of WilliamDescription:
A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.
- Vilek
Description:
Vilek is a rare masculine name with possible Slavic or Eastern European origins. In Czech and Slovak languages, names with the suffix '-ek' often indicate a diminutive or affectionate form, suggesting Vilek might be derived from names like Vilém (the Czech form of William) or related to 'vil' elements in Slavic languages. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound that's concise yet memorable. Despite its brevity, Vilek projects strength and individuality. The name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it appealing to parents seeking truly distinctive options. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it practical advantages while still maintaining an exotic, international quality that stands out in most communities.
- Viliam
Origin:
Czech variation of WilliamDescription:
Substituting the V for the W sounds almost comedic to the American ear.
- Guillo
Description:
Guillo is a masculine name with roots in Spanish and Latin American cultures. It likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Guillermo, the Spanish equivalent of William, which has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'strong-willed warrior.' The shortening of names is common in Spanish-speaking cultures, where affectionate diminutives are frequently used. Guillo has a distinctive, rhythmic sound with its two syllables and strong ending. While not extremely common as a formal given name, it maintains usage primarily in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. The name has a friendly, approachable quality while still connecting to the more formal Guillermo's rich history and meaning.
- Vilppu
Description:
Vilppu is a masculine Finnish name with historical roots in Finland's naming tradition. Derived as a Finnish variation of the name William or Wilhelm, which has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' This distinctively Finnish adaptation carries the strength and dependability of its source while expressing Finnish linguistic patterns. Uncommon outside Finland and Finnish communities, Vilppu represents cultural heritage and linguistic distinctiveness. Traditional in character, the name has maintained modest usage in Finland throughout generations rather than following dramatic popularity trends. The double 'p' gives the name a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Finnish phonology. Vilppu appeals particularly to those with Finnish heritage or parents seeking an authentically Nordic name with historical depth.
- Viljo
Origin:
Finnish variation of WilliamDescription:
Inventive nickname option, but with built-in pronunciation problems.
- Vilous
Description:
Vilous is an extremely rare masculine name with unclear etymological origins. It may be related to Latin-derived words like 'villous' (meaning covered with fine hairs) or possibly a variant spelling of 'villus.' Alternatively, it could be a modern invention or adaptation from another cultural naming tradition. The name has a distinctive sound that combines the familiar 'Vil-' prefix found in names like Villiam with an unusual ending. Vilous remains virtually uncharted in popularity rankings and statistical data, making it an exceptionally unique choice for parents seeking a truly distinctive name with a somewhat mysterious quality.
- Vila
Description:
Vila is a masculine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Slavic mythology, Vila refers to fairy-like creatures or nymphs that inhabit the wilderness. The name may also derive from Latin 'villa,' meaning 'country house' or 'estate.' In some South Slavic languages, Vila can mean 'fairy' or 'enchantress,' though when used as a masculine name it takes on different cultural contexts. The name remains relatively uncommon internationally but appears in various European countries, particularly those with Slavic heritage. Vila has a melodic quality with its short, flowing pronunciation, making it distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with mythological or nature-inspired connections.